Prevention of Infection in Kidney Patients

ABSTRACT

Renal patients are particularly vulnerable to infection in part because they are relatively, or significantly, immunocompromised, undergo numerous invasive procedures and typically have frequent contact with healthcare institutions putting them at much higher risk of nosocomial infections. In addition, they are typically exposed to multiple antibiotics, which may select out resistant organisms or damage protective microbiomes. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the life and death importance of infection control to every renal unit and forced a, perhaps overdue, appreciation of the issues and responsibilities associated with nosocomial infections. In addition, our patients are disproportionately impacted by the growing emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This chapter reviews the key aspects of nosocomial infections in renal patients and the important elements of infection control and antibiotic stewardship that can protect our patients. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2014, 2022.